Clovis city hall named for longtime employee

CLOVIS - A woman who spent 22 years working for the city and encouraging a long line of politicians and city officials was honored Friday when her name was added to the exterior of Clovis City Hall.

The late Albertina "Bert" Cabiness, who died Jan. 17 at the age of 74, worked as a cashier in the city finance department from Oct. 28, 1968, until her retirement on Nov. 16, 1990.

Her only child, Michael, 37, who lives with his wife, Janet, and children Ashley, 12, and Nick, 8, in California, had asked Clovis City Commissioners after his mother's death to consider naming something after her.

"I'm honored and humbled at the recognition of my mother's life and her devotion to this city," he said. "I can't begin to say how much this means to me. My mother lived her entire life in Clovis, and she spent her life trying to make it a better place to live."

Longtime Clovis City Commissioner Robert Moreno, whose wife is Cabiness' niece, recommended and won approval to designate Clovis City Hall in her honor with a sign near the main entrance that reads, "Bert Cabiness City Government Center."

"Everyone that came in contact with Bert liked her, loved her and would seek her advice," Moreno said. "She was very instrumental in me being here today in the position I'm in."

Clovis Municipal Judge Russell Muffley said he also credits Cabiness with encouraging him to run for office.

Former Mayor Chick Taylor, who was in office from 1968-80, called Cabiness "an exceptional person who went above and beyond the call of duty" and loved politics, often calling people on election day to see if they had voted.

Dr. James Moss, who served as mayor from 1986-96, said, "Bert had three distinct loves: One was her husband, one was her son, and one was the City of Clovis."

Clovis City Commissioner Gordon Smith said Cabiness was one of his biggest fans.

"She helped me and advised me and supported me," Smith said. "She was a walking encyclopedia about Clovis. She loved life and had a lot of friends."

Clovis Police Chief Raymond Mondragon said that in all the years he knew Cabiness, she often expressed her pride in people and valued family and her relationships with others.

"Bert always spoke her mind and spoke from her heart," Mondragon said. "She was very special. She leaves a lot of lasting memories."